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I'm planning on using the Bike2Work Scheme to get myself a nice new Ribble. I have never really heard of them before but unless your a "Bike Snob", they seem like good well reviewed bikes and value for money. I'm thinking the Sportive Bianco with 105 and Aero wheels, any thoughts? Anyone had experiences with Ribble in the past? However the bike is 1073 £73 over the £1000 mark allowed. Ribble say if this happens ring them to discuss it, do you think if i pay the excess they will come to some sort of "Arranged deal"?
Also I am looking at upgrading the wheels to have either Phil Wood Hubs or Chris King R45 hubs. Unsure on the rims though any idea's? Or would i be better off getting some krysium SL's?
Finally Sportiv vs. Gran Fondo
If anyone has any other similar brands with a similar spec suitable give me a shout!
Cheers Lewis
TBH, you cant really go wrong with ribble or planet x for the money ( or scheme in this case). With ribble, only issue is what kind of bike you want, road racing, sportive etc. There frames are pretty solid and reliable, handle well though not quite in the league of more boutique brands.
As in many previous threads , there customer service and delivery times vary ( 50/50 split between good and bad).
Planet-x customer service on the other hand is spot on, there frames a bit racier for the money.
Biggest trouble is, once you delve into the world of road biking ( and many many people started off with ' its just for commuting'), then the bug will hit and you'll be hit with lighter pockets and less garage storage space
Are paragraphs 1 and 2 written by the same person.
I've seen a few Ribbles now, only the cheaper carbon ones and the owners all seem very happy.
What are your wheels to be used for?
I've had a ribble sportive for a year now and it's spot on. Why the aero wheels? Not ideal for normal rides really are they?
If this is your first bike go for the lightest wheels you can afford rather than the most aero.
You are unlikely to be fast enough to get the full benefit of aero wheels (ie > 40kmh) but you will definitely feel the weight going uphill. And they can be a pain in the arse for fettling or if you break a spoke.
Ribble are generally very well reviewed as you say. The ones I've seen in the flesh are very nice. At a race no one [important] cares what bike you ride, only how you ride it (see the sportive thread).
Setup wise it depends what riding you'll be doing? Racing, training, commuting?
What are the focus cayo range price wise on Wiggle. I ride one from 2009 and it is a very nice frame and fork.
Biggest trouble is, once you delve into the world of road biking ( and many many people started off with ' its just for commuting'), then the bug will hit and you'll be hit with lighter pockets and less garage storage space
+1 🙂
Sportive vs. Gran Fondo? Looks like practically the same frame to me so go for the one you like the look of best (sounds shallow but its more important than we like to admit).
You say you're looking for aero wheels but Kysriums aren't aero. Guess you will be buying these separately from the bike otherwise you'll be well over a grand.
Personally I've just upgraded my wheels and considered the Kysriums but went for Fulcrum Racing 1.
If you are looking for a proper carbon aero wheel then have a look at buying [url= http://www.yishunstefano.com/index.html ]direct from China for about £350[/url] or have a look at [url= http://www.fuertebici.com/ ]Fuerti Bici[/url]
Have a look at this thread on Bikeradar [url= http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12732405&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0 ]here.[/url]
Explains the very confusing Ribble range.
I'd love one of the New Sportives personally, they look amazing VFM.
Anybody give me an idea of weight of there Ribble's?
I'm thinking Gran Fondo Frame, with 105 Group Set and mavic Aksium wheels 🙂
If I was to get a bike on the BTW scheme, then I would get a Ribble Sportive Bianco.
960g which is bloody light for a cheap frame. (Sportive/Bianco)